Obituary of James Kent Proctor

James Kent (Jim) Proctor, 78, of Oak Park, CA passed away suddenly on October 23, 2017 in Thousand Oaks, CA. A memorial service will be held at Rose Family Funeral Home, 4444 Cochran Street, Simi Valley, CA on December 2 at 1 PM, with a reception to celebrate Jim’s life to follow.

Jim was born in Story City, IA to David and Ruby Proctor on November 19, 1938. He graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1956. After high school, he enlisted in the Navy on January 22, 1957. He served four years until he was honorably discharged on January 21, 1960. After returning home, he went to the University of Iowa before transferring to Parsons College, Fairfield, IA. There he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. He then chose to pursue a lifelong dream by moving to New York City to study acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. After graduation from AADA, he worked as an actor appearing in stage plays, films, soap operas and commercials. Shortly after he then found his true passion in writing.

In 1978, he moved to California to become a screenwriter. He conceived and wrote a screenplay based on his love of bowling and sold it to Twentieth Century Fox, which resulted in the film, Dreamer. In 1984, he formed a production company, with two friends, it became one of the first full service infomercial companies in the US. In 1988, he left the company to market, make promotional videos, write and teach at California International University. He felt that that every educator should learn as much as possible about each student from another country to make them feel comfortable. Soon after, he became the Director of the English as a Second Language Program.

After retiring from CIU, he found his passion as Lead Donation Associate at the Goodwill Southern California Agoura Hill Bookstore. There he trained all new associates, he oversaw pricing of all books and merchandise, he personally sorted books and lovingly created departments for books for customers. If a customer would ask for a specific book and he had it, he would go right to the spot and retrieve it for them. He mentored young people in certain reading choices and this thrilled their parents. Kids who never read were excited to read the books Jim suggested. They couldn’t wait to come back to the store and let him know about the book. Customers came in weekly just to see him. The Daily News did an amazing article on Jim based on the knowledge and expertise he brought to the bookstore. He was loved, respected, and admired for his immense knowledge, but also for his sense of humor and great nature. Jim had an unparalleled work ethic. His coworkers constantly joked with him to slow down, you’re making us look bad!! Jim was an example to the entire team of what excellence stood for and the spirit of Goodwill; which is to “Transform lives through the power of work”. He will be forever missed by all at the bookstore.

Jim’s sense of humor and laughter were contagious. Jim loved cooking, bowling, golfing, coaching softball, had a passion for red wine, loved his cats, as well as most animals. He loved his grandchildren with a passion!

Jim is survived by his children, Christopher Proctor, daughter in law Susan, Henderson, NV and a daughter, Kimberly Proctor Vilardi, son in law Michael, Clifton Park, NY. He will be missed by sister, Penny Augustine, brother in law, Keith Augustine. His six beloved grandchildren Brittany, Tyler, Anthony, Justin, Nicholas and Dillon will remember him with love. He is survived by his first wife and mother of their children, Leni Proctor. Nieces Amy North, Erin Molstad, and nephew Brian Augustine, will  remember their special uncle.  Jim was preceded in death by his mother Ruby Proctor.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Rose Family Funeral Home for their tremendous support during this difficult time.